John Daly given permission to use golf cart at US PGA Championship at Bethpage Black

John Daly hates having to use a cart in the PGA Championship and probably wouldn't do it if the major didn't mean so much to him.

Key points:

Maverick golfer and fan favourite John Daly has been allowed to use a cart at this week's US PGA Championship

Daly has arthritis in his knee and his appeal under the American with Disabilities Act was accepted by the PGA of America

It's a rarity for golfers to be allowed assistance at major championships and the decision on Daly has caused controversy

Daly used the cart for nine practice holes on Wednesday, arriving at the Bethpage Black clubhouse with an elastic bandage around his right knee, a cigarette in one hand and a wish that he could simply walk the 7,459-yard (6,820 metre) rolling course the next four days.

The PGA of America has come under criticism for giving Daly access to a cart for medical reasons.

A committee on the American with Disabilities Act gave Daly an exemption because arthritis in his knee would have prevented him from competing.

The PGA of America's chief championship officer Kerry Haigh defended the decision at a press conference.

"In this case, John went through the process, sent in the information that we request of any and all players that this applies to," Haigh said.

"We have a committee that meet, which includes a medical expert, and they review the information, and it was agreed that it justified the use of a golf cart for the championship.

"I will meet with John and just talk through where he can go and can't go around the venue."